I've read a lot of books and I've seen a lot of TV. And I've also visited a lot of places. One of the things I learned from those visits is that no place I have been is ever quite the way I imagined when reading about it. For sure, some things match your expectations, but if you pay attention you are sure to experience a whole bunch of surprises. Those surprises add texture and nuance to your understanding. They transform a one dimensional image into a living breathing reality. In teaching Comparative Politics, teaching about countries I have never visited, I know I have been transmitting generalizations drawn by people I have never met, about things I have never seen. It is time to see how much of what I think is true. This could ruin a bunch of good lectures. Even so, it must be done.
So this year Marie-Claire and I will get out and see the world. We hope to get to know each place on its own terms and return home just a little wiser about how things are. It will be a great adventure. You are welcome to join us, vicariously, if you like - or if you've always wanted to visit one of the places we are headed, why not meet us there? We'd love some company.
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